Is the FTC Using Dark Patterns to Pursue Dark Patterns?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act has long provided a flexible consumer protection framework. The law generally empowers the FTC to challenge net-harmful conduct while giving trade practices that benefit consumers the green light. In tech markets, this tends to fit well because it typically stops the Commission from outlawing newer products and services before their benefits or risks are fully understood. However, regardless of the party in power, the FTC occasionally gets unhelpfully creative with the levers at [...]
ACT | The App Association Proposes Five Reforms in Comments to UKIPO’s Consultation on Fair SEP Licensing
LONDON, UK – ACT | The App Association welcomes the opportunity to provide input to the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO) on standard-essential patent (SEPs) licensing issues that impact the small business innovator community and needed policy changes to address them. Technical standards underpin the internet of things (IoT) ecosystem which is expected to generate £4.1-9.3 trillion for the global economy by 2030. To utilise standards, small technology developers must have certainty that they can license patented technologies [...]
Labour Party Conference 2025: Recap
Our UK Country Manager, Stephen Tulip, shares his thoughts after attending the Labour Party Conference 2025 Party conference season is a fixture of the UK political calendar. Falling just after the summer holidays, these conferences are a big deal for political parties. They energise supporters, raise money and welcome thousands, or tens of thousands, of politicos through the doors. Party conferences are attended by an eclectic mix of politicians, journalists, party members, lobbyists, and campaigners. You also get the odd [...]
Statement from Morgan Reed, President of ACT | The App Association, on App Association’s Amicus Brief in Epic v. Google
ACT | The App Association submitted an amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting a stay of the district court’s injunction in Epic v. Google. The App Association represents small technology companies and app developers who depend on trusted, curated online marketplaces to reach consumers worldwide. “The trial court’s remedy is a dangerous overreach that threatens the very small and medium-sized businesses it claims to protect,” said Morgan Reed, president of ACT | The App Association. “By [...]
Always Be Filing: ACT | The App Association Filing Activity September 2025
Throughout the year, our policy team submits filings with government bodies worldwide to advocate for a regulatory environment that inspires and rewards innovation. From issues around regulating artificial intelligence to digital trade, our team is ACTive on a wide range of topics that could have a positive or negative impact on our small business members, driving the app economy. Below is a roundup of our filings from around the globe this past month. Title: Comments of ACT | The [...]